What is Binge Eating Disorder?

Binge Eating Disorder is characterised by regular episodes of binge eating. Unlike BN, a person with BED will not use compensatory behaviours, such as self-induced vomiting or over-exercising after binge eating. Many people with Binge Eating Disorder are overweight or obese.

The reasons for developing BED will differ from person to person. Known causes include genetic predisposition and a combination of environmental, social and cultural factors. BED can occur in people of all ages and genders, across all socioeconomic groups, and from any cultural background. Large population studies suggest that equal numbers of males and females experience BED.

What is binge eating?

Binge eating involves two key features:

Eating a very large amount of food within a relatively short period of time (e.g. within two hours)

Feeling a sense of loss of control while eating (e.g. feeling unable to stop yourself from eating)

Defining Binge Eating Disorder

Frequent episodes of binge eating

A person with BED will repeatedly engage in binge eating episodes where they eat a large amount of food in a short period of time. During these episodes they will feel a loss of control over their eating and may not be able to stop even if they want to.

Eating habits

A person with BED will often have a range of identifiable eating habits. These can include eating very quickly, eating when they are not physically hungry and continuing to eat even when they are full, to the point that they feel uncomfortable.

Feelings around food

Feelings of guilt and shame are highly prevalent in people with BED. People with BED often feel guilty or ashamed about the amount, and the way they eat during a binge eating episode. Binge eating often occurs at times of stress, anger, boredom or distress. At such times, binge eating is used as a way to cope with challenging emotions.

Behaviours around food

Because of their feelings around food, people with BED are often very secretive about their eating habits and choose to eat alone.

What are the warning signs of Binge Eating Disorder?

Having awareness about BED and its warning signs and symptoms can make a marked difference to the severity and duration of the illness. Seeking help at the first warning sign is much more effective than waiting until the illness is in full swing. If you or someone you know is exhibiting some or a combination of these signs it is vital to seek help and support as soon as possible.

The warning signs of BED can be physical, psychological and behavioural. It is possible for someone with BED to display a combination of these symptoms.

Physical signs:

Feeling tired and not sleeping well

Feeling bloated, constipated or developing intolerances to food

Psychological Signs:

Preoccupation with eating, food, body shape and weight

Extreme body dissatisfaction and shame about their appearance

Feelings of extreme distress, sadness, anxiety and guilt during and after a binge episode

Is recovery possible?

Yes. It is possible to recover from BED, even if you have been living with the illness for many years.

The path to recovery can be very challenging but it can also shed light on what contributes to binge eating, low self-esteem and negative body image, and how to minimise relapse. Through the process of recovery a person with BED can learn how to replace their unhealthy eating habits with more helpful coping strategies.

With the right team and a high level of personal commitment, recovery is an achievable goal. Treatments for BED are available; seek help from a professional with specialised knowledge in eating disorders.

Getting help

If you suspect that you or someone you know has BED, it is important to seek help immediately. The earlier you seek help the closer you are to recovery. While your GP may not be a specialist in eating disorders, they are a good ‘first base.’ A GP can provide a referral to a practitioner with specialised knowledge in health, nutrition and eating disorders.